NBA: LA Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies Preview, Odds, Prediction

The LA Lakers visit the Memphis Grizzlies in a match that might significantly impact the West standings at the end of the season. These two sides are direct playoff contenders, which creates additional tension and makes this ball game even more interesting. The LAL has three wins in the past four games, looking a bit better than before. Also, Frank Vogel should have all of his superstars at disposal. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies unexpectedly lost last night at home to the Mavericks, stopping their solid winning streak, made without Ja Morant.

Preview

LA Lakers (13-12, -140) had two wins in a row before losing to the Clippers at home. However, the LAL managed to bounce back pretty quickly and beat the Boston Celtics in their last appearance, 117-102, boosting the morale before the upcoming events.

The Lakers were shooting 51.6% from the field in that event, but even so, their three-point efficiency was very low, 8-for-27 or just 29.6%. The difference was mage under the rim, because the purple and gold outrebounded the rivals 51-34. They also scored more points from the paint, 66-42.

LeBron had 30 buckets, 13-for-19 from the floor, Russ added 24 with 11 assists, while Anthony Davis scored 17 with 16 boards and had two blocks and steals. For the first time in a while, the Lakers looked like a team, a very good one.

Memphis Grizzlies (14-11, +135) had five wins in a row, pretty much all of them without Ja Morant, their biggest star and the guy who was performing magnificently this season. Such a streak surprised the entire league and proved that the Grizzlies are more than just one player.

Though, Memphis lost last night at home to the Mavericks, 104-96, a few days ago after beating them in Texas. Even though the hosts had domination in the paint, scoring 50 points and allowing 36, just nine threes in 31 attempts were something that hurt the Grizzlies’ chances of winning a lot.

Jaren Jackson Jr. had 26 points, seven boards, and two blocks, Dillon Brooks added 15, Desmond Bane 14 points, and Deandre Melton 13. It is obvious that the Grizzlies have fewer players in the mood for scoring than they usually do. The offensive versatility is the primary weapon of this crew, and as soon as that disappears, Memphis’ chances for winning are decreasing.

Head to Head

The Lakers and the Grizzlies already played one game this year, and it was in LA. The purple and gold came out as the winners, 121-118, which was their fourth consecutive win over this rival.

Morant was magical with 40 points and 10 assists, being in the center of attention. On the other side, the Lakers had Carmelo with 28 and AD with 22 points. LBJ contributed with 19 buckets.

Prediction

The Lakers will have to use the fact that the Grizzlies are tired and without the best player to win this one and move above the .500-mark. Vogel will have LBJ, AD, and Westbrook in the lineup, and we simply have to back up the purple and gold to win this matchup. The odds are quite solid having the overall circumstances; therefore, go with the Lakers to win.

Pick: Lakers to Win

Here is the preview for the game between the Denver Nuggets and the San Antonio Spurs.